Trident

March 15, 2016

The Concept

The Trident is an Eco-friendly jet drive boat concept rides quickly and smoothly above the water, creates and burns hydrogen, and does not emit any C02. It has two lateral swing arms with a hybrid keel-and-rudders steering system.

The Background

Back in 1994, Sea-Doo came up with the 80hp Speedster jet drive boat. It was one of the coolest water toys you could get your hands on at the time. It featured three seats abreast and was quick and nimble. When I started thinking about the Trident concept, I wanted to get that fast, exhilarating feeling in a small side-by-side configuration. I also wanted the vehicle to look and behave like a beast riding on top of waves with its three legs following the water’s crest and trough.

How It Works

The Trident is a side-by-side PWC equipped with a 144 HP Rotax engine that burns hydrogen instead of gasoline. Its water turbine is mounted on a swing arm so it can follow the waves.

This jet boat would feature two lateral front swing arms designed with an internal torsion-type suspension system. Since the vehicle is suspended a couple of feet above the water, the twin swing arms would improve the Trident’s stability and adapt themselves based on riding conditions (speed, height of waves, requested dampening, available suspension travel, etc.).

Two ski-pontoons in the front would help steer the vehicle. They would be made in two parts attached by a pivot point. The front part would serve as mini boat hull and keel that would cut water like a knife. The keel could be lifted or lowered by the driver with a button based on riding conditions.

The rear part of the ski-pontoons would act as a rudder and pivot left and right. The rudders’ movement would be accomplished by a cable, solenoid, or motorized gear, and the whole assembly could be assisted by power steering. These ski-pontoons would always remain in full contact with the water to make sure that the Trident could steer precisely in any condition and remain stable.

The boat’s rear space could be used as a cargo hold or a sun deck on which you could install lounge chairs. If battery technology improves, this space could also be used to install battery packs and create a model that would use an electric motor.

What’s The Added Value?

How much time do you have to go boating every summer? If we can develop a hydrogen kit that would convert solar energy and water into hydrogen, then the Trident could basically fill up its gas tank while you are working during the week. This would translate into saved time and money. It would also mean a smaller carbon footprint.

The futuristic Trident could also ride faster by tackling each wave more smoothly than its competitors.

The Designer

The Trident concept was developed in collaboration with Juan Garcia Mansilla, an Industrial Designer from Argentina. He graduated at the University of Buenos Aires in 2012. Right now he is a Senior designer at a Product Design firm and also works as a Freelancer.